Nearly seven years ago, Corey Furgal stabbed Christopher Vydfol, 20, in the heart. His mother, Lorri Geoffroy, spoke at Friday's hearing and said that every time the family has to attend such a hearing, they have to suffer again.

"It was so hard to see that face after six years after he murdered my son," Geoffroy said.

Furgal's defense attorney said there are several reasons why the sentence of 40 years to life is excessive, including Furgal's long history of mental illness.

"It was while he was not being treated for his mental illness that Mr. Furgal committed the acts that resulted in his conviction for second-degree murder," defense attorney Nicole Fortune said.

Furgal crashed a Merrimack Halloween party in 2009, where he stole an iPod. While Furgal was being confronted by angry partygoers, some brandishing bats, Vydfol tried to escort him off the property.

"When Mr. Vydfol bear-hugged him, he was afraid, and he pushed out with the knife that happened to enter in the worst possible place," Fortune said.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Susan Morrell described that narrative as an attempt to minimize what happened.

"It's clear from the evidence at trial that this was a crime of anger, that the defendant used the knife out of anger," Morrell said.

Morrell prosecuted the original case. She agreed that the sentence was severe, but she said it's warranted, given the fact that Furgal had 12 prior criminal convictions before committing murder.

"He was given every opportunity," Morrell said. "He was told, 'You will do this or else,' and he continued to commit more crimes."

The victim's mother said she hopes the judges will leave the sentence alone.

"When my son, Chris, was murdered, he didn't have any rights," Geoffroy said. "He didn't have any appeals. He has no paroles."

Geoffroy said that a letter from Furgal expressing remorse won't bring her son back, but it would help.

The three-judge panel took the matter under advisement. It's unclear when the ruling will be issued.